SHARI (SA818 Ham Allstar Radio Interface) PiHat (Unistorm Case) is a kit construction project for ham radio operators that implements a Raspberry Pi2, Pi3 or Pi4 hosted Allstar node using a NiceRF SA818S embedded UHF (420 – 450 MHz) or a VHF (144-148 MHz) radio module. The radio module and interface circuits are located on a custom Raspberry Pi Hat board. A complete Allstar node can be created with a SHARI PiHat Unistorm Case kit, a Raspberry Pi2, Pi3 or Pi4 (with power supply and microSD card) and an Allstar image.
There are several options available including:
- Pi3 or Pi4 single board computer.
- UHF (70 cm) or VHF (2 meters) ham band.
- Vertical straight antenna or elbow right-angle antenna.
- Optional cooling fan
Features
- Uses CMedia CM108B or CM119B USB Audio IC.
- Uses a NiceRF SA818S UHF (420-450 MHZ) or VHF (144-148MHz) embedded radio module (www.nicerf.com) with an LTCC lowpass output filter
- 250 to 500 milliwatts RF output power
- Raspberry Pi, power supply and microSD card provided by kit builder.
- Unistorm Pi3 or Pi4 rugged, RFI resistant metal enclosure with perforated top for ventilation.
- RX/TX serial connection from the Pi4 GPIO to the SA-818 radio module to change RF module parameters including RF and CTCSS/CDCSS frequencies.
- Clamp-on ferrite provided to mitigate buzz interference from high RF fields near the Pi power supply.
- Two antenna options (Elbow and Straight Rod).
- Cooling fan option (requires no additional holes to be drilled in the case)
Kit Construction
SHARI PiHat (Unistorm Case) is a construction project. It consists of the parts shown in the photo below (straight antenna option shown).
The kit builder supplies the Raspberry Pi, the Pi power supply and a microSD card to complete the self-contained Allstar node.
The kit uses a single circuit board. The circuit board contains installed surface mount parts as well as several through-hole parts and the SA-818S radio that the kit builder installs.
Construction Manual
A comprehensive step-by-step construction/assembly manual to construct an Allstar node using a SHARI PiHat (Unistorm Case) kit is available.
Additional Information
Additional information can be found here:
Ordering Information
SHARI PiHat (Unistorm Case) is designed as a kit for construction and use in the amateur radio service by licensed amateur radio operators who can assure that the unit they construct meets 47 CFR Part 97 – Amateur Radio Service required operating requirements including frequency, bandwidth and required power levels at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies.
SHARI PiHat (Unistorm Case)
- Kit – Available as a parts kit for $80 (UHF or VHF, right-angle or straight antenna). You supply the Raspberry Pi, Pi power supply and microSD card to complete your Allstar node . Please be sure to download and study the SHARI PiHat Construction manual to be sure you own the required tools and possess the required mechanical and soldering skills to build the kit.
Additional Options:
– We will solder the SA818S radio module onto the PCB for an additional $5.
– The fan option is $8 - Built (Your Raspberry Pi)– We can also build the kit for you using a Raspberry Pi3 or Pi4 that you procure and send (or have drop shipped) to us. We will completely assemble and test the kit but you must still procure a Pi power supply, microSD card, download the image and perform the setup of your node. A fully assembled and tested SHARI PiHat (Unistorm Case) kit with you supplying the Pi per the above paragraph is $135 (fan option is additional $10).
- Built (We supply all parts except microSD card) – If you want us to supply the Pi and power supply also, then an assembled unit is $205. This option is currently available as we have a stock pf Pi4-2 GB boards.
SHARI PiHat Mod2 board
The SHARI PiHat Mod2 board is also available as a kit for $65. This option consists of:
– Printed circuit board with installed SMD parts
– SA818S module
– JST connector and internal cable OR external USB type A to microB RA cable
– SMA connector
– GPIO connector
The purchaser must specify:
- Connector type (Vertical or edge-mount SMA connector)
Shipping to US destinations is $9 via USPS Priority Mail provided your order fits in our standard shipping box. Payment via Paypal is preferred.
Send an email including your amateur radio call indicating the SHARI PiHat model and type (kit or assembled) you would like to buy to kits4hams@gmail.com for ordering and delivery information. We will send you a customized Paypal invoice to pay.